Several speakers noted those benefits at a gathering at CSPS Hall, a historic building in New Bohemia that was one of the first major projects to use the tax credits after the 2008 floods.

Bethany Jordan, president of Save CR Heritage; Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett; Steve Emerson of Aspect Architecture; John Herbert, executive director of Legion Arts; Rep. Art Staed, D-Cedar Rapids, and Emily Meyer, owner of New Leaf Redevelopment and a board member of Save CR Heritage, noted that the tax credit program has helped in disaster recovery, conserves resources, stimulates the economy, creates jobs and helps preserve the legacy of communities, both large and small, by preserving historic architecture.

Emerson, whose projects include the Smulekoff’s building in downtown Cedar Rapids, noted that some of the projects he has developed might not have come to fruition without the tax credits, which bring a higher level of quality to rehabilitation efforts.

Lion Bridge Brewing Co. was the site of a social hour after the tour of historic tax credit projects in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Meyer and others encouraged Iowans to contact Sen. Chuck Grassley, Sen. Joni Ernst and their U.S. representatives to promote keeping the historic tax credit program in upcoming tax overhauls.

Participants were invited to tour several historic buildings that have used the program, including CSPS; the Commonwealth Apartments; the Smulekoff’s Building; Paramount Theatre and Lion Bridge Brewing Co.